Alcudia Bay doesn't have a homogeneous climate. Local microclimates exist that can make the difference between a comfortable house and one requiring constant air conditioning. Understanding these climate factors is fundamental before choosing your plot.
The 3 microclimates of Alcudia Bay
1. Coastal zone (seafront and Port d'Alcudia)
Characteristics:
- Constant sea breeze: embat (sea breeze) from May to September, especially 1pm to 7pm
- Moderate temperatures: 2-3°C lower than inland in summer
- High humidity: 70-85% in summer (muggy feeling without ventilation)
- Salt spray: affects materials (wood, metal) if not properly treated
Best orientation: south/southeast to catch breeze without direct western sun
2. Intermediate zone (500m-2km from sea)
Characteristics:
- Ideal microclimate: sea breeze arrives but without excess humidity or salt
- Balanced temperatures: cool nights + moderate daytime heat
- Natural ventilation: air currents between sea and mountain (tunnel effect)
- Less tourism: quiet residential areas
Best orientation: south for maximum sun + north windows for cross ventilation
3. Inland zone (>2km from sea, near Serra)
Characteristics:
- More extreme temperatures: hotter in summer (+3-5°C), colder in winter
- Less sea breeze: more dependent on air conditioning in summer
- More intense tramontana: north wind can be bothersome in winter
- Panoramic views: visual compensation towards bay or mountain
Best orientation: southeast protected from tramontana with wall or vegetation
Alcudia Luz: optimal intermediate zone
The development is located in the ideal intermediate zone: close enough to the sea to benefit from breeze (1.5 km), but protected from salt and tourist bustle. Best of both worlds.
Solar orientation: determining factor
South/Southeast (optimal orientation)
- Natural light all day: from dawn to mid-afternoon
- Moderate summer heat: morning sun is less aggressive
- Winter comfort: you take advantage of low winter sun
- Afternoon breeze: embat helps cool in summer
Southwest (hot in summer)
- Intense western sun: 4pm to 9pm in July-August (up to 40°C on facades)
- Requires protection: awnings, pergolas, dense vegetation
- Sunset views: visual compensation towards bay
North/Northwest (cool but dark)
- Less natural light: dark living rooms, higher artificial lighting expense
- Summer coolness: ideal for bedrooms or rest areas
- Direct tramontana: cold wind in winter can be bothersome
Alcudia winds: knowing them is key
Embat (sea breeze) - Summer
- Direction: from sea to land (southeast → northwest)
- Schedule: approximately 1pm to 7pm
- Intensity: moderate (10-20 km/h), refreshing and pleasant
- How to harness it: southeast-facing windows capture breeze and channel it indoors
Tramontana (north wind) - Winter
- Direction: from Serra de Tramuntana to sea (north → south)
- Schedule: can last several consecutive days
- Intensity: strong (40-60 km/h), cold and dry
- How to protect: north facades with few openings, dense vegetation as barrier
How to choose perfect orientation for your villa
For permanent residence
- Main living room: south/southeast (natural light all day)
- Bedrooms: east (wake with soft light) or north (coolness)
- Kitchen: north or east (avoid excessive heat)
- Porch and pool: south with pergola for summer shade
For summer second home
- Prioritize coolness: north/northeast orientation for bedrooms
- Cross ventilation: openings on opposite facades to create current
- Solar protection: Mallorcan shutters on south and west facades
Common mistakes to avoid
❌ Ignoring orientation for views
Many buyers choose plot "because it has sea views" without considering they'll have direct western sun in living room. Result: curtains always down in summer, air conditioning at full blast, electricity bill through the roof.
❌ Not considering tramontana
Orienting large windows north may seem good idea for coolness... until tramontana arrives in winter and you can't open windows due to cold and wind noise.
How Alcudia Luz optimizes each plot
Architect D. José Ferragut Pou has studied each plot individually to:
- Orient villa according to topography and dominant winds
- Position pool and porch in most protected area from tramontana
- Design openings that capture embat breeze in summer
- Protect from western sun with Mallorcan shutters and strategic vegetation
Interested in Alcudia Luz?
At Alcudia Luz, each villa has been oriented to maximize the favorable microclimate of the area.